The Personal Rewards of Giving

Susanne Norgard, Executive Director, writes in the Ukiah Daily Journal about people and organizations improving lives in our community.

I recently had the opportunity to sit in on a very special meeting. Jack Shaw, who established the Shaw Family Nursing Scholarship, was in the Community Foundation’s office to meet Elizabeth and Kim, the recipients of this year’s awards. They both are attending the
UkiahAdultSchool on their paths to become RNs.

As Elizabeth and Kim shared their stories with us, Mr. Shaw was able to personally see how his generosity is making a big difference in the lives of these two women.

Elizabeth’s story is one of perseverance. .

I recently had the opportunity to sit in on a very special meeting. Jack Shaw, who established the Shaw Family Nursing Scholarship, was in the Community Foundation’s office to meet Elizabeth and Kim, the recipients of this year’s awards. They both are attending the
UkiahAdultSchool on their paths to become RNs.

As Elizabeth and Kim shared their stories with us, Mr. Shaw was able to personally see how his generosity is making a big difference in the lives of these two women.

Elizabeth’s story is one of perseverance. She told us that she grew up in the Canal area of
San Rafael, a rough and dangerous place for a young girl. As a way out, she enlisted as an army medic and worked in labor and delivery at the army base in
Landstuhl,
Germany. “I loved the work,” she told us. “I liked the connection with the moms, and loved living in
Germany. It’s a beautiful county, with a lot of opportunities for hiking and enjoying the outdoors.”

Elizabeth’s life took an unexpected turn when she became pregnant at the same time as she received orders to go to
Bosnia. Not realizing that she was just five months short of earning her GI Bill benefits, she decided to leave the army. Two children and several years later, she and her husband have been working long hours and extra jobs in order to be able to afford the child care costs and the loss of income that are a consequence of her returning to school. “This scholarship means so much to our family,”
Elizabeth told Mr. Shaw. “It takes away a little bit of the financial stress and encourages me to pursue my goal of becoming a nurse.”

The other recipient, Kim, is going back to school after many years of working in the admitting department at the
SurgeryCenter. She told us how her work at the Center led her to return to school. “Working with Dr. Valente gave me a taste of what it is like to care for patients, and I really liked it. It made a huge impression on me. I want to give back, and nursing seems to be the way to do more for others.” With two adopted children, one of whom is in day care, it became clear to Kim and her husband that there would be no “good time” for her to pursue her dream. “We just decided it was the thing I needed to do,” Kim said. “And now this scholarship comes along to help us.”

Mr. Shaw could not be more pleased with the nursing students selected for the Shaw Family Scholarships. “They are just such nice young women,” he told me, “and it’s a privilege to help them.”

Giving through the Community Foundation can be a very personal and lasting way of giving back to others. If you want to find out more, visit the Community Foundation’s website at www.communityfound.org.